Up until about 2 years ago, on my blog I would VERY occasionally post up some layman's hints for computing -- some truisms I stumbled across in my wanderings through geekdom.  So I guess this is a "retro" column.  

Just to be clear -- this is NOT a political column.  You've been warned.

I am NOT a techie.  Far from it.  I'm best described as a semi-power user. I spend a lot of time on the computer -- mostly "work" -- but also recreation. 

I cannot speak to all the modern permutations of IPods, IPads, KneePads, etc. -- only good old fashioned computers, both desktop and laptops.  A man's got to know his limitations.

So here's the hint (which will seem pathetically obvious to some):

INSTALL MORE MEMORY.  

That's it.   You can quit reading now.

Not that such an addition will help everyone's computer.  But if your computer seems to be dragging, by far the best combo of improving performance, low cost and needed techie skill involves increasing one's computer memory. 

In essence, memory does not make your processing faster -- it increases the number of things your computer does at one time.  If you REALLY do only one thing at a time on a computer -- closing each program before opening the next -- you need professional counseling beyond my pay grade.  

More likely, you'd like to jump between applications without difficulty or delay.   If not multitasking, at least easy switching.  

It's what I do.  A LOT.

I run a horse of a desktop.  Six-core AMD processer (a bit dated by today's fast standards), and 16 gigs of DDR3 memory.  And since I went from 4 gigs to 16 gigs, performance has been boffo.

I don't reboot for a week or three at a time (my computer is ALWAYS on, though let it slip into hibernation for much-needed rest).  Currently I have a Chrome browser and Internet Explorer browser open.  One has about 50 tabs open (pages, if you like), the other maybe 6.  Don't ask why two browsers.  Some compatibility issue, I think.

In addition I have about 9 Word documents open, a couple PDF's up for reference, 3 Excel spreadsheets open, my Thunderbird email, miscellaneous utilities ( should write about these jewels at another time) and -- because I'm a bit goofy, TWO graphics-intensive games (usually on pause until the urge to dismember zombies overwhelms me). 

If you have not added memory since you acquired your machine, you likely need to.  The longer you've owned it, the more likely the need.

Perhaps the main argument against doing so has always been cost.  But cost today is a ridiculous excuse.  You can buy 16 gigs of top speed DDR3 (4 "sticks" of 4 gig memory) from Fry's for less than $70.  Older memory is even cheaper -- often it can be acquired for peanuts off EBay or CraigsList.  Even if it helps not at all, you'll seem smarter to other family members.

Installing the memory is somewhat more difficult than changing lightbulbs or batteries.  You can do this -- but if not, your friend's 12 year old can do it for you (if you can stand the smirk on his pimply face).

Yeah, there are some techie limitations.  I don't think you can install DDR3 on DDR2 motherboards.  And the type of memory sockets is something to watch for -- laptops are quite different from desktops.

Also, you can't use more than 4 gigs of memory unless you have a "64-bit" operating system.  The older 32-bit systems are limited to 4 gigs -- but I suspect most such systems were sold with less than 4 gigs.  BTW, I know zippo about Macs.  

Beyond that, Google "more memory" and you'll find articles that give more guidance than I can (or should). 

Questions always abound about improving a computer's performance.  A faster processor?  A solid state drive?  Multiple video screens?  Reinstall to OS and all your programs after wiping the hard drive clean?  A faster typist to do the input?  

All these would improve your productivity.  All are more difficult to do, for a variety of reasons.  

If buying a NEW computer, you get the chance to solve all of that (except the comely typist option).  But this single memory improvement is the "down and dirty" way to extend the life of your computer -- and perhaps your life as well (through less frustration).

Always remember -- my techie advice is worth EXACTLY what you paid for it.  Indeed, perhaps a bit less.